Jazz musician George Duke died Monday in Los Angeles at age 67. A pioneer in the funk and R&B genres, he had been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia, according to his label Concord Music Group, which confirmed his death. "The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father's friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming," said his son, Rashid Duke, in a statement. "Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support."

Jazz musician George Duke died Monday in Los Angeles at age 67.

A pioneer in the funk and R&B genres, he had been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia, according to his label Concord Music Group, which confirmed his death.

"The outpouring of love and support that we have received from my father's friends, fans and the entire music community has been overwhelming," said his son, Rashid Duke, in a statement. "Thank you all for your concern, prayers and support."

Born in San Rafael, Calif., Duke aspired to a music career from an early age, after his mother took him to a Duke Ellington concert.

"I remember seeing this guy in a white suit, playing this big thing, which I later found out was a piano," Duke told USA TODAY in 1997. "He had all these guys around him, and he was waving his hands conducting, and he spoke very intelligently and seemed to be having a good time. And his name was Duke, and my last name was Duke. I told my mom, 'I want to be him.' That moment in time set the stage for me."

Over the course of his four-decade-plus career, the Grammy Award-winning keyboardist put out more than 40 albums and collaborated with artists such as Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Jill Scott and Michael Jackson. His music was also sampled by Kanye West, Daft Punk and Common.

"It's a wonderful thing that has happened under the banner of jazz," Duke told USA TODAY of his career longevity. "In R&B and rock, when you are over a certain age, they say goodbye to you. But in jazz, you just kind of level off and continue to gain respect, so long as you keep your integrity."

Duke's final album, DreamWeaver, was released July 16 and made its debut at No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart. It was his first new music since the death of his wife, Corine, last year.

Carol Britto spent twenty years in Toronto, a regular fixture at Lyte's, George's Jazz Club and Bourbon Street before relocating to New York. In New York Carol played all the major clubs - Knickerbocker, Fortune Garden Pavilion, Village Corner, Birdland, Café Gianluca, J's, Zinno, Carnegie Tavern, Hanratty's, the Rainbow Room.

Carol Whitney Britto, virtuoso jazz pianist, died March 16, 2012 in New York City. Born in Cleveland, OH in 1935, she is survived by her children Jeff Britto, Karen Carter, and Eric Britto, her sister Jeanne Casey (Larry), her brother Mike Whitney (Rosemary), grandchildren, and loving nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, well-known bass player Bill Britto, and by her sisters Marilyn Whitney and Ilene McCarthy (Larry).

Carol Britto spent twenty years in Toronto before relocating to New York. In New York Carol played all the major clubs - Knickerbocker, Fortune Garden Pavilion, Village Corner, Birdland, Café Gianluca, J's, Zinno, Carnegie Tavern, Hanratty's, the Rainbow Room.

Britto studied with Oscar Peterson. "Oscar taught me how to be a take-charge pianist," she said. Her forceful energetic technique was often compared to his. With her Trio comprised of bassist Bill Britto, David Young or Michel Donato and drummer Don Vickery she was the long-time favorite at the Lyte's jazz room in Toronto's Royal York Hotel. Holding court at Georges Spaghetti House and Bourbon Street in the seventies and eighties. She was organist for the Toronto Blue Jays. She played at colleges and jazz festivals throughout North America. She was chosen to be an exclusive Baldwin Piano artist.

Famous in her own right, both solo and as a leader of her Carol Britto Trio, but perhaps best known as an accompanist par excellence. During her career she accompanied most of the legendary names in jazz, including Chet Baker, Benny Carter, Helen Humes, Joe Williams, Major Holley, Zoot Sims, Phoebe Snow, Joe Venuti, Doc Cheatham, Marvin Stamm, Roy Eldridge, Flip Phillips, Bobby Rosengarden, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Gary Mazzaroppi, Milt Jackson, Lance Hayward, Tootsie Bean, and Michael Moore. She played with Percy Faith and his Orchestra. She toured with the Tommy Dorsey Band.

Trumpet player Marvin Stamm said of her, "If a visiting jazzman wants a powerful yet sensitive musical companion at the piano, nobody in the business can equal her." Tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis called her "Lady Britto, the Countess Basie of the piano." The great jazz violinist Joe Venuti called her simply, "Mother Jazz."

Britto's albums won her a wider audience and acclaim - "Alone Together" with Flip Phillips and Michael Moore, and "Inner Voices" with Michael Moore, both on the Town Crier label.

Dave McMurdo (trombonist, composer, arranger, conductor, teacher) was born March 4, 1944 in Isleworth, England. He died the morning of June 13, 2011 in Eden Mills, (just outside Guelph) Ontario. McMurdo is survived by his wife and two children.

McMurdo spent his early life in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he studied music at the University of British Columbia. It was there that he began composing music and playing in a variety of bands including the famed Bob Hales Big Band.

In 1969, he moved to Toronto where he became a sideman with Rob McConnell and The Boss Brass, and lead trombone player in Nimmons 'n' Nine Plus Six. Internationally esteemed as leader of Juno Award-nominated The Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra and The Dave McMurdo Quintet.

As a jazz educator, McMurdo has been a faculty member in the Music Department at Mohawk College since 1984. As a dedicated composer/ player/clinician, he participates in clinics, music festivals, and concerts across Canada and internationally.

CD’s -- Live at the Montreal Bistro 1992, Different Paths 1994, Fire & Song 1997, and Just For Now 2002 -- all on the Sackville recording label.

The Toronto Star acclaimed Just for Nowas one of 2002's Top 10 CDs. The Dave McMurdo Quintet featuring Mike Malone released their first CD entitled 99 Ways. In 2008 McMurdo released a live double CD of the Dave McMurdo Orchestra, Nimmons and More.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Paul J. Youngman)Musician ObituariesMon, 13 Jun 2011 17:42:41 -0500A Tribute To Don Johamhttp://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/a-tribute-to-don-joham.html
http://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/a-tribute-to-don-joham.htmlA very famous talented drummer played for some of the most famous Jazz artists and recorded with many to name a few Art Pepper, Art Graham, Vince Guaraldi and more. One of the best that ever played a rare talent. In loving memory: September 14, 1934 to December, 15 2004 …

A very famous talented drummer played for some of the most famous Jazz artists and recorded with many to name a few Art Pepper, Art Graham, Vince Guaraldi and more. One of the best that ever played a rare talent. In loving memory: September 14, 1934 to December, 15 2004

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Dan Marva)Musician ObituariesSat, 29 Jan 2011 19:57:54 -0600Hartland (Hart) Wilbur Wheelerhttp://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/hartland-hart-wilbur-wheeler.html
http://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/hartland-hart-wilbur-wheeler.htmlHart Wheeler Born December 22, 1921 Died June 10, 2005 Hartland (Hart) Wheeler was born in Toronto, Canada and had been a professional jazz musician since he was 18 years old. His main influences were Benny Goodman (clarinet) and Ben Webster (tenor sax). Hart served in the Royal Canadian Air Force Band in World War Two. Hart guested several times for TV/movie director Norman Jewison on his CBC TV series "The Denny Vaughn Show." He played with the legendary J …

Hart Wheeler

Born December 22, 1921

Died June 10, 2005

Hartland (Hart) Wheeler was born in Toronto, Canada and had been a professional jazz musician since he was 18 years old. His main influences were Benny Goodman (clarinet) and Ben Webster (tenor sax).

Hart served in the Royal Canadian Air Force Band in World War Two. Hart guested several times for TV/movie director Norman Jewison on his CBC TV series "The Denny Vaughn Show."

He played with the legendary James P. Johnson, along with the DeParis brothers Wilbur and Sidney. He performed with the big bands of Bobby Gimby, Ellis McLintock, Art Hallman and Mart Kenney.

He played with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Max Roach and Charlie Mingus in the historic Massey Hall Jazz Concert on May 15, 1953.

Hart played with Cab Calloway on the TV show "Cross Canada Hit Parade," clarinetist Ken Peplowski and with former Ellington trumpeter Clark Terry.

Hart was with the Canadian Tribute to Glenn Miller Orchestra, arranging, coaching and singing with the vocal group, and playing tenor sax and clarinet in the band. He was also a member of the Jim Galloway Wee Big Band.

Hart recorded his last song on May 13th, 2005 in the home studio of Alan Wildeman in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. "Sweet Indifference" was written and arranged by Prof. Hank Davis and featured Hank Davis on guitar and piano, Jeff Bird on bass and Hart Wheeler on tenor saxophone.

Rodney Richardson, famed and beloved bassist, passed away this morning (Saturday, October 29, 2005) at the age of 88. From New Orleans and a professional musician in his teens, Rodney has been friends with, and worked with, some of the world's most illustrious musicians...Basie, Ellington, Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Harlan Leonard, the Kansas City Seven, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Miles, Dizzy, Buddy Rich, Monk, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, Freddy Cole, Carmen McRae, Jimmy Wilkins, Sammy Davis Jr., Earl "Fatha" Hines, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Lester Young, and many, many more. He was the guy on the radio playing "Jumping With Symphony Sid". The Count Basie years are forever memorialized in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center.

Rodney comes from a very artistic family, including his grandchildren, there are now 5 generations of artists, dancers, and musicians, and vocalists. His cousin, Leontyne Price, is a world-renowned opera diva. His brother, James "Beans" Richardson, bassist, is in Detroit and is also a prolific, highly skilled, A-List musician, and photographer. "Beans" worked with Aretha Franklin during her first years as a professional vocalist, and is recorded on her first 3 albums. She started out with a jazz trio, "Beans" was the bassist.

A couple of years ago, Ed Thigpen told me at dinner with my dad that when they were young Ed's family, James Moody's family, Leontyne Price's family (my dad's cousin), and Rodney's family all lived "across the street and down from each other" in Laurel, Mississippi.

Another jazz angel just joined heaven's jam session.

There will be time for viewing and visitation on Monday, November 7, 2005, from 4:00 - 9:00 pm, at Salas Bros Funeral Chapel, 419 Scenic Dr, Modesto, 95350 - (209) 523-5646. A benefit is being planned. Condolences, photos, "Rodney stories", etc. can be sent directly to the funeral home or, to 1735 Carlton Avenue, Modesto, CA, 95350.

Hugs to you all.

Sincerely,Michele Richardson209-872-2105 - cell209-577-1100 - ofc

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Michele Richardson)Musician ObituariesSat, 29 Jan 2011 19:57:53 -0600Great Loss for Indonesian Music Communityhttp://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/
http://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/Perry Pattiselano (55), a senior jazz musician and session bass player from Indonesia died as a victim of the Grand Hyatt-Amman bombing last Wednesday November 9, 2005. He was performing on stage with Sukat, a jazz piano player, and Pinky Safira, a female jazz singer, both also from Indonesia, when it happened and the blast threw him about 20 meters from the point where he was standing. He died on the way to the hospital. Pinky and Sukat survived the attack with minor in …

Perry Pattiselano (55), a senior jazz musician and session bass player from Indonesia died as a victim of the Grand Hyatt-Amman bombing last Wednesday November 9, 2005.

He was performing on stage with Sukat, a jazz piano player, and Pinky Safira, a female jazz singer, both also from Indonesia, when it happened and the blast threw him about 20 meters from the point where he was standing. He died on the way to the hospital. Pinky and Sukat survived the attack with minor injuries.

It is a great loss for Indonesian music community.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Ade Hamzah)Musician ObituariesSat, 29 Jan 2011 19:57:53 -0600Coastal Jazz Radio Moving up Steadily in Popularityhttp://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/
http://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/January 27, 2006 (Atlanta) On the air for only six weeks, internet station Coastal Jazz Radio is moving up steadily in popularity. Out of 320 jazz stations on Live 365's network, Coastal Jazz Radio is currently # 57. The most popular countries listening to Coastal Jazz Radio are the US, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Mexico, Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Colombia, Netherlands, S. Korea, Sweden, Latvia, Thailand, Greece, Italy and Poland. Billed as an "An Eclectic Mix of Jazz - plus Chill, N …

January 27, 2006 (Atlanta) On the air for only six weeks, internet station Coastal Jazz Radio is moving up steadily in popularity. Out of 320 jazz stations on Live 365's network, Coastal Jazz Radio is currently # 57. The most popular countries listening to Coastal Jazz Radio are the US, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Mexico, Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Colombia, Netherlands, S. Korea, Sweden, Latvia, Thailand, Greece, Italy and Poland.

Billed as an "An Eclectic Mix of Jazz - plus Chill, Nu-Jazz, Electro-Jazz & More," Coastal Jazz Radio features well known artists such as Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau, Branford Marsalis, and Charlie Haden, but specializes in lessor known musicians. You'll hear the Hot Club of San Francisco, Nick Cuda, Mark Colby, Wolfgang Schalk, St Germain, Susan Getz, Mock Quintet featuring Danny Cao, Brian Patneaude Quartet, Karin Plato, Mike DiLorenzo, SolAzul, New Legends, Si*Se, Skyjuice; Slide Five, Yukijobo, Milton Marsh and many more. The station is on 24/7 and features eight three hour programs in constant rotation, with each program updated every week with new music.

For those not familiar with internet radio, it streams behind your other applications and is perfect for background music while you're on the computer at work or at home. Two big advantages to the internet format is that the name of the song and artist appears as the song is playing, as well as the option to buy the CD or the individual song. This easily allows you see the name of the song you like and know who the artist is. Tuning in is free and a high speed connection is recommended. The internet address is www.live365.com/stations/eliottjames.

Artists who would like to be considered for airplay are encouraged listen to the programs and determine if their music fits the stations format. If it does, send a CD to Eliott James, Coastal Jazz Radio, 188 Summerlake Dr SW, Marietta, GA 30060, USA.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Eliott James)Musician ObituariesSat, 29 Jan 2011 19:57:53 -0600Julie Lynn Burrell, 1963-2006http://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/
http://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/Julie Lynn Burrell was born in Houston, Texas on July 16, 1963. She died April 25, 2006. Julie is survived by her parents, Thomas G. "Gil" and Kathryn "Katy" Burrell; her brother, John and wife, Joyce Burrell, and niece Mandy, of Manor, Texas; her uncle, Ed Grimm and wife, Ellen Park of Sinton, Texas; special friends, Teresa Pegarari of Covina, California, Steve Craddock of Austin, and numerous other friends and musicians. She attended Pilgrim Lutheran School in Houston; Redeemer Lutheran Sch …

Julie Lynn Burrell was born in Houston, Texas on July 16, 1963. She died April 25, 2006. Julie is survived by her parents, Thomas G. "Gil" and Kathryn "Katy" Burrell; her brother, John and wife, Joyce Burrell, and niece Mandy, of Manor, Texas; her uncle, Ed Grimm and wife, Ellen Park of Sinton, Texas; special friends, Teresa Pegarari of Covina, California, Steve Craddock of Austin, and numerous other friends and musicians.

She attended Pilgrim Lutheran School in Houston; Redeemer Lutheran School in Austin, and Junior and Senior High School in Manor. She held various "day jobs" during her lifetime, but her big love was music. At age 12, she composed the hymn "Let Him Reign" that is published in the Episcopal Hymnal. Julie has studied the piano since age seven and is fluent in symphonic arranging, as well as any style of music from Rock to Jazz. The Austin City Council proclaimed June 9 as Julie Burrell Day, every year. In 1993/1994 the Austin Chronicle named Julie "Best Jazz Act." In 1997 the Austin Chronicle chose Julie "Best Jazz Vocalist". Julie moved to Los Angeles in 1998 and continued to perform and released a new CD entitled "Juliejazz". Ms. Burrell was hired by Quincy Jones to write jingles for the City of Long Beach for their tourism theme, and by SKY VODKA to do four jingles for them as well. Last but not least, Ms. Burrell was chosen Jazz Vocalist of the Year in the City of Long Beach Jazz Search, defeating over six hundred singers.

She returned to Texas on September 14, 2005, and has since been working on her house and teaching piano lessons. A memorial service was held in her honor on Saturday, April 29, 2006 at New Sweden Lutheran Church, 12809 New Sweden Church Rd., Manor, Texas 78653. Other than flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New Sweden Lutheran Church or the Lone Star Eye Bank of Texas, both of Manor.

Edited from a message sent by Tammy Malone

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Edward Kane)Musician ObituariesSat, 29 Jan 2011 19:57:53 -0600John Franklin (Ellington) Blair Passes Awayhttp://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/
http://jazzreview.com/jazz-news/musician-obituaries/IMPROVISATIONAL VIOLINIST JOHN FRANKLIN (ELLINGTON) BLAIR PASSES AWAY Obituary by: Joyce E. Blair Place: New York, NY June 3, 2006 - Singer and violinist John Franklin Blair passed away on June 3, 2006 of heart failure. A song and sharing memorial service was conducted at the VA Medical Center Manhattan on Thursday, June 8, 2006. John is buried at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY. John was born in Toledo, Ohio on November 8, 1943, and is the eldest of nine ch …

IMPROVISATIONAL VIOLINIST JOHN FRANKLIN (ELLINGTON) BLAIR PASSES AWAY

Obituary by: Joyce E. Blair

Place: New York, NY

June 3, 2006 - Singer and violinist John Franklin Blair passed away on June 3, 2006 of heart failure. A song and sharing memorial service was conducted at the VA Medical Center Manhattan on Thursday, June 8, 2006. John is buried at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY. John was born in Toledo, Ohio on November 8, 1943, and is the eldest of nine children. His mother was a classical pianist and he grew up in California and began taking violin lessons as a child, graduating with honors from Lincoln High School in San Diego in 1961. He attended the Eastman School of Music for two years, and joined the Air Force as an instrumentalist in the orchestra. In the 1960's he began further developing his musical talent and accompanied many well-known artists eventually producing two vinyl albums, "Southern Love" and "Mystical Soul." The song entitled "Sometimes a Man" did very well with jazz stations. In the 1970's he co-developed an instrument called the "Vitar," an acoustical combination violin and guitar. Two vitars are in the possession of his family and display requests are being considered. Most recently John was attempting to renew his career by cutting another CD. He volunteered this year at the VA Medical Center Manhattan and performed for disabled veterans there. His family is interested in helping disabled veterans.